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PubMed2026

Formation of environmental persistent free radicals in soil of ammunition demolition site: Roles of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and heavy metals.

Environmental Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) are a particular type of contaminant present in soil. This study investigated the formation process, environmental behavior, and main influencing variables of EPFRs in soils contaminated with heavy metals and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from an ammunition demolition site. The results showed that the concentration of total organic carbon (TOC) in the soil was negatively correlated with EPFRs (r = -0.29). In contrast, the content of TNT and copper was significantly positively correlated with EPFRs (r = 0.90 and 0.78, respectively), indicating that TNT acts as a precursor macromolecule in the formation of EPFRs in this type of contaminated soil. Transition metal Cu may be an essential carrier in EPFR production. In order to explore the possible formation mechanism of EPFRs, a simulation experiment was carried out under different temperature and light conditions. The results showed that the photolysis process of TNT was impacted by external energy sources such as heat and light. TNT was firstly adsorbed onto the surface of a transition metal (Cu), and then EPFRs were formed through further electron transfer. This is the first study to detect significant levels of EPFRs in the soil at ammunition demolition sites.

Trinitrotoluene↗

PubMed2026

Pregnancy diet based on ancestral patterns increases growth in subcortical fetal brain regions.

Evidence on the biological basis for maternal nutrition effects on fetal and newborn neurodevelopment remains limited. This randomized controlled trial in Ecuador tested a maternal dietary pattern-derived from empirical studies of nutrition in human evolution and adapted locally-on offspring growth and brain development. Pregnant women (n = 215) in their first trimester were randomized to: 1) control (n = 104); or 2) Mikhuna ("nourish" in Kichwa) intervention (n = 111). The intervention, from 12 wk gestation to birth, consisted of a weekly food delivery (8 eggs, 500 g fish, and a variety of sustainably sourced fruits and vegetables) and a behavior change communication strategy encouraging diet diversity and limiting highly processed foods. Longitudinal data collection occurred at 12 wk, 21 wk, 35 wk gestation, and 2 wk postpartum, and included ultrasound imaging of fetal bone and brain parameters, maternal dietary intakes, anthropometry, socioeconomic and demographic variables, and other biomarkers. At close of intervention, a significantly higher percentage of women met the minimum dietary diversity threshold in Mikhuna (74.5%) vs. control groups (55.8%) (P = 0.004). Generalized linear regression models showed significant differences in Mikhuna compared to control for: corpus callosum length 0.19 cm (95% CI [0.02, 0.35]), gangliothalamic ovoid height 0.15 cm (95% CI [0.03 to 0.26]), and femur length -0.10 cm (95% CI [-0.19, -0.02]) from 21 wk to 35 wk; and corpus callosum Z 0.56 (95% CI [0.03, 1.09]) and femur length Z -0.21 (95% CI [-0.42, 0.00]) at 35 wk. The Mikhuna intervention increased the growth of subcortical fetal brain structures, which have established roles in motor control, cognition, and signal transmission.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Urban Design Quality and Clinical Mental Health: A Systematic Review.

ObjectivesThis systematic review synthesizes empirical evidence on core urban design dimensions that affect clinical mental health outcomes and examines how environmental exposures mediate or moderate these relationships.BackgroundUrban design has increasingly been recognized as a determinant of psychological well-being, yet a standardized framework to evaluate its mental health impact remains underdeveloped.MethodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically reviewed 19 quantitative empirical studies published through January 2025, examining relationships between outdoor urban design features and validated clinical mental health indicators across four major databases.ResultsFindings reveal that urban design influences clinical mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive decline) through two objective spatial scales: street-level features (imageability, enclosure, human scale, complexity) and neighborhood environments (land use mix, density, green infrastructure). Environmental exposures (traffic, noise, air pollution) operate as perceptual and experiential mechanisms that mediate or moderate the mental health effects of these spatial design features.ConclusionsWe propose an integrated three-domain conceptual framework distinguishing objective spatial design scales from subjective exposure mechanisms. This framework provides evidence-based guidance for urban planners and policymakers toward creating mentally healthier urban environments.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Low Carbohydrate Availability in Energy Balance Alters Bone Turnover and Muscle Proteomic Response With Limited Endocrine Disruption.

Training with low carbohydrate availability (LCA) has been proposed as an independent determinant of physiological perturbations commonly attributed to low energy availability (LEA) and to increase skeletal muscle oxidative machinery, yet the effects of LCA in isolation from LEA remain unclear. We examined whether short-term carbohydrate restriction under energy balance alters endocrine and metabolic markers associated with LEA and skeletal muscle proteomic response. In a randomized crossover design, eight trained males completed 4 days of either a low-carbohydrate high-fat diet (LOW; 12% carbohydrate, 69% fat, 19% protein) or a normal-carbohydrate diet (NORM; 62% carbohydrate, 19% fat, 19% protein), while undertaking daily cycloergometer exercise (15 kcal kg FFM-1 day-1) and maintaining energy availability at 45 kcal kg FFM-1 day-1. LOW induced a clear metabolic shift consistent with LCA, evidenced by elevated circulating free fatty acids, glycerol and β-hydroxybutyrate, in fasting conditions and fat oxidation at rest and during exercise, alongside reduced exercise glucose concentrations. Despite these responses, LOW did not alter insulin, testosterone, triiodothyronine, leptin, hepcidin, or P1NP. In contrast, β-CTX increased and IGF-1 decreased relative to NORM. Muscle glycogen concentration decreased only in LOW (40% ± 14%). Proteomic analysis identified 671 proteins; 57 differentially expressed in LOW relative to NORM were limited to fatty acid metabolism pathways and suppression of ribosomal, sarcomeric, and extracellular matrix proteins. These findings indicate that isolated LCA exerts limited endocrine disruption but may selectively compromise bone turnover and muscle anabolic response, suggesting that without acute LEA, LCA has limited influence on muscle oxidative phenotype.

Male↗

PubMed2026

Metabolic and endocrine modulation of the gut-adipose tissue axis via pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in overweight dogs: A systematic review.

Canine obesity is a complex metabolic disorder driven by luminal dysbiosis, impaired gut barrier function, and metaflammation. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review evaluated the efficacy of pro-, pre-, and postbiotics in modulating the gut-adipose tissue axis in overweight dogs (BCS ≥ 6/9) or diet-induced obesity models. Searches across PubMed and Dimensions (April 2026) identified seven eligible experimental trials. Results suggest that postbiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 reduced postprandial glucose AUC by 6 % strictly during energy restriction. Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila postbiotics limited diet-induced weight gain, though glucoregulatory impacts were highly strain-specific (AKK2 reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance indexes, whereas EB-AMDK19 exerted no significant effect). Specific probiotics (including Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium breve) attenuated fasting hyperinsulinemia and preserved circulating adiponectin, but lipid profile improvements (triglycerides and total cholesterol) were inconsistent across trials. In dogs, increased luminal short-chain fatty acids are not consistently mirrored by endocrine responses, so the coupling between microbial metabolites and incretin signaling remains incomplete. A critical lack of standardized reporting for species-validated insulin sensitivity metrics was identified. In conclusion, microbiome-targeted therapies, particularly inanimate postbiotics, may represent useful adjunctive strategies to mitigate metabolic dysregulation in obesogenic environments. However, clinical efficacy remains strictly strain-specific and dependent on host energy balance. Given the scarcity of high-certainty evidence, future trials must integrate dynamic physiological assessments with species-validated surrogate indexes alongside standardized dietary controls.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

In situ product monitoring in heterogeneous reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3: Effect of environmental factor and particle property.

Gas-particle reactions represent an important atmospheric heterogeneous transformation process for organic amines (OAs). Environmental factors and particle properties may impact the gas-particle reaction products. Although the products from gas-particle reactions can be monitored by various in situ techniques, related data remain scarce. Here, the interfacial and gaseous products from the reaction of trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 particles under light irradiation with mixed NO2, O2, SO2 and H2O were monitored using in-situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Dark reaction of gaseous trimethylamine on Fe2O3/Fe(NO3)3 generated two interfacial products types: N-containing ones (CH3NCH2, CH3NO2, (CH3)2NCHO, and CH3N(OH)CHO) and N-free ones (alcohols, aldehydes and acids), both accumulating with reaction progression. Light irradiation and O2 oxidation enhanced formation of these products, while NO2 promoted the production of CH3NO2 and (CH3)2NCHO. H2O and SO2 occupied the active sites of particles to inhibit the formation of all products. Compared to Fe(NO3)3, Fe2O3 showed absolute dominance in contribution to the formation of products. Considering the smaller particle size of Fe2O3 and excess Fe(NO3)3, the physical mixing of them reduced the generation of interfacial products. Furthermore, gaseous products of CH3OH, HCHO, CH3CHO, HCOOH and CH3COOH detection clarified the N-free interfacial products. The presence of Fe(NO3)3 inhibited the formation of HCOOH and favored the formation of CH3CHO in the gas phase. By combining product information with thermodynamic calculations, the heterogeneous reaction pathways of trimethylamine were tentatively proposed. These findings provide a guiding significance for the migration of OAs in real atmospheric environment.

Methylamines↗

PubMed2026

Oxidative potential of fresh vs. O₃-aged PM2.5 across urban and rural sources in China.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major health risk, yet its impacts are still largely assessed using mass concentration, which does not capture toxicity. Recently, oxidative potential (OP) has emerged as a more relevant metric, reflecting the ability of particles to generate reactive oxygen species. A current challenge, especially in China, is understanding how emission sources and ozone (O3) aging affect PM2.5 toxicity, given that O3 is an increasingly important pollutant there. A work by Ma and co-workers published in J. Environ. Sci. (doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2024.04.023) addressed this by evaluating the OP of fresh and O3-aged PM2.5 from multiple sources in China using the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay. Biomass burning particles exhibited the highest OP, up to 35 times greater than suburban PM2.5, driven by water-soluble organics and transition metals. While O3 aging generally reduced OP, it also induced complex chemical transformations. These findings highlight that PM2.5 toxicity is dynamic and source-dependent, underscoring the need to move beyond mass-based air quality metrics.

Particulate Matter↗

PubMed2026

An updated systematic review of buffalo nutritional requirements (2000-2024).

Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) are large ruminants with a superior ability to digest and utilize low-quality forages, producing milk and meat of higher quality compared to cattle. Despite their importance in animal production, buffaloes remain the focus of relatively few studies aimed at defining their nutritional requirements, which often results in inadequate diet formulation and management. There, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature on buffalo nutritional requirements, considering only open-access papers published in English and in indexed journals. A total of 58 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most of them focused on dairy buffaloes, particularly on the evaluation of crude protein, energy levels, and fiber content in the diet. Mineral nutrition was addressed in eight studies; however, in general the evaluated levels showed no significant effects. In contrast, very few or no studies were found concerning beef buffaloes, growing animals, reproduction, or other production stages. These findings highlight a critical gap in the literature and reinforce the urgent need to direct more research efforts and resources toward establishing species-specific nutritional requirements, particularly for beef buffaloes.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Uncovering parental exposure risks of TCPP: Impaired development and metabolic homeostasis in zebrafish offspring.

As brominated flame retardants are phased out, tris (1‑chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), a phosphorus-based flame retardant, has emerged as a prominent detectable flame retardant in the environment. However, TCPP has been found to exhibit endocrine-disrupting effects on organisms, raising significant safety concerns. In our study, we utilized the zebrafish model to explore the toxic effects of parental TCPP exposure on offspring and uncover its regulatory mechanisms through metabolomics analysis. Moreover, the impact on the nervous system and lipid metabolism was examined through behavioral analysis and specific staining. Our findings demonstrated that both embryonic and parental TCPP exposure induced developmental disorders in larvae, along with decreased locomotor activity and disordered lipid metabolism homeostasis. Parental exposure to TCPP, exhibiting stronger developmental toxicity than direct embryonic exposure, notably led to reductions in crucial energy substrates such as amino acids and carbohydrates. Meanwhile, embryonic TCPP exposure primarily affected the endogenous lipid-related metabolites including phospholipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, steroids and fatty acids, promoting lipid accumulation in larval liver and subcutaneous tissue. What's more, continuously parental and embryonic exposure showed the most pronounced effects on zebrafish development and metabolic regulation. Our study highlights the risk posed by parental exposure to TCPP on offspring zebrafish, underscoring the need for comprehensive consideration of the impact from parental exposure in pollutants regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Food-derived extracellular vesicles as delivery platforms for medicine-food homology components in metabolic syndrome.

Diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic syndromes have become major global public health challenge, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective strategies. Recently, food-derived extracellular vesicles (FDEVs) have garnered increasing attention as natural nanocarriers due to their excellent biocompatibility and specific targeted delivery capabilities. FDEVs can efficiently deliver medicine-food homology components (MFHCs) to precisely regulate lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, and insulin sensitivity, thereby improving obesity and its metabolic abnormalities. This systematic review summarizes recent advances in the use of FDEVs as delivery vehicles for MFHCs to suppress diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms, including signaling pathway regulation and cellular metabolic remodeling. In addition, the clinical translational potential and industrial application prospects of FDEVs are evaluated, and key challenges related to preparation techniques, safety assessment, and large-scale production are discussed. By integrating current evidence, this review aims to provide theoretical framework and future perspectives for the development of FDEVs as a novel targeted delivery platform and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Extracellular Vesicles↗

PubMed2026

Influence of microplastics on microalgal performance during wastewater polishing.

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that are increasingly accumulating in aquatic ecosystems due to excessive anthropogenic activity and insufficient mitigation strategies, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Their impact on wastewater (WW) treatment processes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of five MPs commonly found in WW - polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, low-density polyethylene, and high-density polyethylene - on the physiology and bioremediation performance of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in synthetic WW (SWW). Metabolic responses were assessed via esterase activity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), while nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and glucose removal were monitored to evaluate bioremediation efficiency. MPs inhibited esterase activity and elevated ROS levels, indicating oxidative stress. Nevertheless, C. vulgaris maintained a high bioremediation capacity (> 75 % N, > 60 % P, and > 70 % for glucose). Environmental conditions modulated microalga response to MPs exposure. Under N-limited conditions, C. vulgaris exhibited enhanced nutrient uptake and biomass production, but a 12 h/12 h light/dark photoperiod reduced N removal but stimulated glucose consumption via heterotrophic metabolism. In contrast, C-limited conditions exacerbated oxidative stress and compromised nutrient removal, resulting in residual concentrations exceeding legal limits. These findings highlight that environmental factors can either mitigate or exacerbate the physiological stress induced by MPs, ultimately affecting WW polishing. This work provides a comprehensive insight into the cellular and metabolic effects of MPs on microalgae and supports C. vulgaris as a resilient and sustainable approach for nutrient and carbon removal in MP-contaminated WW systems.

Microalgae↗

PubMed2026

Optimization of a niosomal formulation for Quercetin delivery: Comparative effects on growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses, and disease resistance against Streptococcus iniae in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Quercetin (QUR) is a flavonoid with antibacterial and antioxidant properties that has been studied for its effects on fish health and the immune system. Due to the low bioavailability of QUR, the present study was primarily aimed at developing a niosomal formulation of QUR to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic properties. The performance of niosomal QUR was then compared with that of its free form by evaluating their effects on the growth and immune system of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. For this purpose, an optimal QUR-containing niosome was formulated by testing different proportions of cholesterol, surfactant, and stabilizer, and the niosomes were then added to the fish diet. A QUR-free diet and a diet containing QUR-free niosomes (QFN) were considered control groups. Niosomes prepared at low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values showed higher QUR entrapment efficiency (QUR-EE%) (P < 0.01). An increase in the molar ratio of cholesterol to surfactant significantly reduced QUR-EE% (P < 0.05). A surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1 increased QUR-EE% (P < 0.05). The particle size of the niosomes was also affected by HLB and the surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio. Low HLB values resulted in smaller particle sizes (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1 resulted in the smallest niosomal particle size (P < 0.05). The presence of diacetyl phosphate as the stabilizer in the formulation improved the niosomal zeta potential to -40.55 mV. The optimal niosomal formulation (HLB = 6.6; surfactant/cholesterol/stabilizer ratio of 1:1:0.1) remained stable at 2 °C over 10 days of storage, as the niosomal QUR content and size did not show significant changes during this period (P > 0.01). After preparation of the diets containing the optimal niosomal QUR, fish were fed the experimental diets for two months. QUR, in both niosomal and free forms, resulted in better growth performance than the QUR-free diets (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in growth performance between the free and niosomal forms of QUR; however, 500 mg/kg QUR showed significantly better growth performance than 250 mg/kg QUR (P < 0.01). Although both the niosomal and free forms of QUR enhanced immune and antioxidant components in the fish, the effects of the niosomal form were more significant (P < 0.01). In addition, QUR in both free and niosomal forms reduced fish mortality after challenge with Streptococcus iniae. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the niosomal form of QUR has strong potential for improving the immune system of fish and increasing resistance to S. iniae infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Comprehensive source-risk assessment of organophosphate esters in surface water of the Dianchi Lake Basin, Yunnan, China.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs), widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers, have been increasingly detected in aquatic environments. However, investigations of their distribution in high-altitude plateau lakes remain scarce. Identifying and quantifying the sources and associated risks of OPEs are crucial for subsequent water environment management. In this study, an integrated source-risk analysis approach was employed by combining the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, the Geodetector (GD) model, and risk quotient (RQ). Analysis of 14 OPEs in surface waters of the Dianchi Lake Basin (DLB) revealed 12 detectable compounds, with total OPEs concentrations (ΣOPEs) ranging from not detected (ND)-64.6 ng/L during the wet season and ND-35.8 ng/L during the dry season. Elevated ΣOPEs were primarily observed at inflow sites in the northern part of the lake and in urban rivers. Source apportionment indicated four major contributing sources: agricultural films containing flame-retardant and plasticizer additives, traffic-related particulate emissions, releases from household and personal care products, and industrial production and applications of flame retardants in plastics, electronics, and related products (the predominant source). The ecological impact caused by OPEs ranges from no risk to low risk, with tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate emitted from industrial source being the primary driver of potential environmental risk. These findings highlight the necessity of prioritizing industrial sources in future management strategies. Overall, this study provides a methodological framework for source apportionment and risk assessment of OPEs and offers scientific evidence to support environmental management of OPEs in the DLB.

Environmental Monitoring↗

PubMed2026

Acute and chronic effects of mixed nuts on energy metabolism in women at cardiometabolic risk: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effect of consuming a mix of Brazilian nuts on energy metabolism has not been explored. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of acute and chronic consumption of mixed nuts on markers of energy metabolism in women with overweight/obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a randomized, controlled, and parallel clinical trial with adult women. In an acute study, participants received a beverage containing mixed nuts (30 g of cashew nuts + 15 g of Brazil nuts) or a control beverage, and energy metabolism markers were assessed for up to 3 h postprandially. For the chronic study, participants received 45 g of a mix of nuts/day and a -500kcal energy-restricted diet (MNG) or only a -500kcal energy-restricted diet free of nuts (CTG) for 8 weeks, and energy metabolism was assessed before and after the intervention period. In the postprandial period, fat oxidation was higher in the MNG than in the CTG (piAUC: 47.53 ± 5.78 mg/min vs. 27.93 ± 6.98 mg/min; p = 0.048). After 8 weeks of the intervention, fasting fat oxidation increased in the MNG (+16.0 ± 7.0 mg/min) and decreased in the CTG (-5.0 ± 6.0 mg/min), with no significant difference between groups. Other acute and chronic markers also showed no significant changes between groups. CONCLUSION: The acute consumption of mixed nuts increased postprandial fat oxidation, whereas chronic intake within an energy-restricted diet did not affect energy metabolism markers in women at cardiometabolic risk. REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR BRAZILIAN REGISTRY OF CLINICAL TRIALS: RBR-3ntxrm.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Towards microplastic bioremediation: Fungal degradation of pristine and pretreated high-density polyethylene and polystyrene.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a significant ecological issue because of its enduring existence in the ecosystem and its possible negative impacts. Therefore, using degrading strategies to eliminate these stubborn polymers has been a subject of scientific research. However, the currently used degradation methods are relatively inefficient. Given the pervasiveness of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polystyrene (PS) and their resistance to biodegradability, disposal strategies are critical and must be addressed. This manuscript examines the biodegradation of pristine and UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs by Aspergillus flavus species in minimal growth media over 70 days. The maximum weight loss observed at 70 days for pristine HDPE and PS in sole carbon source (SCS) media was (29.33 ± 0.28) % and (17.67 ± 0.35) %, respectively. Whereas, for UV-treated HDPE and PS MPs, the % weight reduction was (33 ± 0.21) % and (25 ± 0.19) %, respectively. UV-treated MPs exhibited greater weight reduction, as UV induced oxygenated functional groups enhance polymer susceptibility to enzymes, thereby promoting biodegradation. HDPE MPs typically show a higher proportion of particles in the lower size range compared to PS MPs. This assertion was based on the weight loss, particle size distribution, and SEM analysis. Furthermore, chemical changes were evaluated using Fourier transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, which also displayed chemical oxidation occurring during biodegradation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) results indicate that UV pretreatment enhances biodegradability by promoting chain scission. These findings further suggest that this fungus's natural and ubiquitous occurrence in terrestrial and marine environments may actively contribute to MP biodegradation while requiring few nutrients.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2025

An integrated multiscale air quality modelling framework for industrial park pollution: Linking local emissions to regional transport.

Capturing the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants in industrial parks remains challenging for regional air quality models because of their coarse resolution (3 km), resulting in uncertainties in local emission quantification. To address this, we developed the Integrated Multiscale Air Quality Modelling System for Industry (IAQMS-Industry), coupling the regional Nested Air Quality Prediction Modelling System (NAQPMS) with a city-scale chemical transport model. This framework integrates point-source locations and Gaussian plume dispersion to simulate particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5) at 100 m resolution. Applied to the Beijing Yi Zhuang and Tangshan industrial parks and evaluated against observations. The coupled model achieved a normalized mean bias (NMB) ranging from 3.1 % to 6.2 %, improving upon NAQPMS (-16.9 % to -7.7 %). Spatial analysis revealed that coarse regional grids underestimated the PM2.5 concentrations at industrial sites by smoothing gradients, whereas IAQMS-Industry successfully resolved spatial patterns. Industrial point emissions accounted for 22.9 %-26.4 % of PM2.5 in the coupled model, which was significantly greater than the regional model estimates of 1.6 %-13.7 %. These findings indicate that regional models overestimate pollutant dispersion processes in industrial parks while underestimating local industrial impacts. By explicitly resolving point-source dynamics and linking them to regional transport, IAQMS-Industry provides a robust tool for designing targeted emission controls in industrial cities and balancing local air quality improvements with minimized regional pollution outflow. This study underscores the necessity of multiscale modelling for accurate source apportionment and informed environmental governance in industrial zones.

Air Pollution↗

PubMed2025

Tracking microplastic contamination across seasons in a freshwater reservoir: Evidence from surface water, sediments, and fishes.

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent contaminants in aquatic environments, posing substantial ecological and health risks. These particles migrate within the different layers of aquatic bodies with time and affect the respective biota. Thus, to get an in-depth understanding of the particles, this current study investigated the seasonal distribution, morphological and chemical characteristics, along with potential ecological and human health impacts in the samples including surface water, sediment, and fish from a drinking water supplying reservoir in eastern India. Across three different seasons, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon samples were collected using optimized methods. Results revealed distinct seasonal trends: MP abundance in surface water peaked during the monsoon (mean: 1.15 MPs/L), while sediment showed the highest concentrations in the pre-monsoon (mean: 596 MPs/kg), indicating temporal accumulation dynamics influenced by runoff, hydrodynamics, and sedimentation. Fish gut analysis confirmed ingestion of MPs across five species, with concentrations ranging from 26 to 100 MPs/kg, depending on feeding habits. The most dominant MP type were fragments, followed by fibers, films, and beads. Polymer analysis via µFTIR identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride as prevalent, with hazard assessments (i.e., Polymer Hazard Index (PHI)) indicating medium to very high ecological risks. Heavy metal association was more dominant in the MPs isolated from sediments than the waterborne MPs. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values were > 1 in most seasons, confirming contamination. Health risk analysis suggested potential exposure through both drinking water and fish consumption. This study emphasizes the need for seasonal monitoring, improved waste management, and mitigation strategies to address MP pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

Microplastics↗

PubMed2026

Biomass burning contributions to Mexico City's atmospheric CO2 estimated using a multi-isotope approach.

Fossil fuel combustion dominates anthropogenic emissions worldwide; however, special attention should be addressed to biomass burning, since it is an increasingly important contributor under warmer, drier fire-weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. These emissions could impact the atmospheric composition of heavily urbanized environments. To assess the influence of biomass burning, along with fossil fuels combustion and soil and plant respiration on Mexico City's atmospheric composition, we conducted a year-long (December 2023-December 2024) isotopic monitoring of atmospheric CO2, combining radiocarbon (Δ14C), CO2 stable isotopes (δ13C, δ18O), and CO/CO2 ratios. Once defined the isotopic signatures and the characteristic CO/CO2 that describe the sources, we performed Monte Carlo simulations under two tracer modalities (Δ14C + CO/CO2 and Δ14C + CO2 stable isotopes) for source apportionment. Results show that during the dry season, particularly in March-April, atmospheric Δ14C values approached and overlapped background levels despite Mexico City's fossil-fuel dominance, indicating enhanced non-fossil inputs. Moreover, backward HYSPLIT trajectories supported that these elevated Δ14C values coincided with regional wildfire activity. Monte Carlo results attributed up to ∼34 %-60 % of local CO2 to biomass burning in April, followed by March with contributions of ∼31 %-49 %. Since these biomass burning figures contrast with the official emissions inventory of Mexico City metropolitan area, which assigns <1 % of total CO2 emissions to biomass burning, this study could exhibit the emissions inventory underestimation of this source, and thus, the need to reassess and incorporate top-down isotopic constraints in fire-affected urban regions.

Mexico↗